By Tim Gardner

Friday, June 01, 2001

Herman Burleson, longtime tenor vocalist for the True Gospel Quartet, passed away recently at his residence in Barnardsville, NC following a long battle with cancer. He was 73 years old.

The True Gospel Quartet was a highly-popular regional group for over 25 years. During its heyday, the True Gospel Quartet consisted of Herman Burleson, tenor; his wife, Lucille, alto and pianist; SB Deaver, lead; and Kye English, bass. Together, they made up what many noted Southern Gospel Music analysts regard as one of the smoothest-sounding groups to ever step on stage.

Mr. Burleson is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lucille Harris Burleson; sons, Roger Burleson of Palm City, Fla., and Ray Burleson of Barnardsville; three grandchildren; and two brothers.

Funeral services were held May 22 in the chapel of West Funeral Home in Weaverville, NC with the Reverends Wesley Pike and Jim Crayton officiating. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Barnardsville. Special music was provided by the Primitive Quartet, longtime colleagues and friends of Mr. Burleson and the True Gospel Quartet.

Letters, cards and notes of condolences may be sent to the Burleson Family in care of: True Gospel Quartet, 29 Martins Creek Road, Barnardsville, NC 28709 or emailed to lucilleburleson@email.msn.com.